Tours & Boat Trips in Dorset

Looking for the best tours and boat trips in Dorset? From breathtaking coastal cruises along the Jurassic Coast to expert-led walking tours and wildlife experiences, there are countless ways to explore the county.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or insider knowledge, Dorset’s tours offer unforgettable experiences both on land and at sea where local guides help you uncover hidden gems and see Dorset from a fresh perspective.

Discover the Jurassic Coast by Boat

One of the best ways to experience Dorset is from the water. A boat trip reveals dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and iconic landmarks that you simply can’t fully appreciate from land.

You can choose from a wide variety of coastal cruises and experiences including Coastal Cruises Poole who offer scenic harbour cruises, Swanage trips and evening sailings. Enjoy a trip with Coastal Vibes Cruises and party away with live music and themed events.

Book a trip with Lyme Bay RIB Charter & Lyme RIB Rides and you’ll be treated to high-speed adventures along the Jurassic Coast or if you’re looking for something a bit slower paced they also offer scenic coastal cruises.

Why not enjoy a traditional tall ship sailing experiences from Portland with Moonfleet Adventure Sailing or if you fancy a luxury catamaran charter for a more exclusive coastal experience then Sail Tortuga will be right up your street,

For something truly unique, take a wildlife-focused trip with Birds of Poole Harbour, offering boat tours and events showcasing rare birdlife and conservation efforts.

Dorset’s Wildlife, Nature & Island Adventures

Dorset’s tours aren’t just about scenery, they’re also about connecting with nature.

Visit Brownsea Island, a unique wildlife sanctuary, home to rare red squirrels and important bird habitats, accessible by boat from Poole.

Explore the coastline further at the Wild Chesil Centre, your gateway to Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, or join guided wildlife experiences that reveal Dorset’s diverse ecosystems.

Guided Tours of Dorset & Local Experiences

Explore Dorset with knowledgeable local guides who bring the area to life. Henderson’s Dorset offer guided walks, private tours and multi-day walking holidays showcasing both highlights and hidden gems.

Adventure & Activity Tours in Dorset

If you’re looking for something more active, Dorset has plenty of options to get your adrenaline flowing.  Breakwater Coaching offer paddleboarding, kayaking and watersports coaching or try coasteering, climbing, bushcraft and group adventure days with Cumulus Outdoors.

Sea Kayak Dorset also offer guided paddling experiences around Portland and beyond

These experiences are ideal for families, groups and anyone wanting to try something new in the great outdoors.

Food, Drink & Vineyard Tours in Dorset

Discover Dorset’s local produce with guided tasting experiences and behind-the-scenes tours.

Furleigh Estate Wine Tours run vineyard tours and award-winning English sparkling wine tastings or explore one of the UK’s oldest thatched breweries and sample traditional ales on a brewery tour at Palmers Brewery.

Visit Langham Wine Estate for a tour and tasting as well as a café set in rolling Dorset countryside

These experiences combine scenic surroundings with Dorset’s growing food and drink scene.

Unique & Scenic Ways to Travel

Tours in Dorset aren’t limited to traditional formats, there are plenty of memorable ways to explore:

Even getting from A to B can become part of the adventure!

Plan Your Dorset Tour

With so many tours and boat trips to choose from, it’s easy to tailor your experience to suit your interests. Prefer a relaxing day? Try a coastal cruise or vineyard tour.  Seeking adventure? Book a RIB ride or watersports experience. Want local insight? Join a guided walking or private tour

Whichever you choose, exploring Dorset with expert guides or from the water will give you a deeper connection to this beautiful county.

 

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Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is open for the 2026 season until Sunday 1 November. The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the...

Cumulus Outdoor Adventure

Cumulus Outdoors offers unrivalled outdoor experience and a range of outdoor adventure experiences for families and private groups, a range of school residential programmes including field studies,...

Furleigh Estate Wine Tours

Set in West Dorset’s wonderful green and rolling hills, Furleigh Estate makes some of the best sparkling wine in the country. We have over 22,000 vines and a purpose-built winery containing...

Palmers Brewery

Guided brewery tours now run throughout the year Monday to Friday. Book on to one of our brewery tours and take a look around the only thatched brewery in the UK. Palmers ales are brewed in one of...

The Sandbanks Ferry

Visitors to Dorset can easily discover the beautiful Isle of Purbeck by hopping on The Sandbanks Ferry, which saves a 25-mile return car journey from Bournemouth to Swanage and offers spectacular...

Birds of Poole Harbour Events

We are an award-winning bird conservation and education charity, running events designed to showcase Poole Harbour's amazing birdlife and leave you feeling inspired about nature recovery in...

Brittany Ferries Boat Trips

Onboard, relax in one of our spacious passenger lounges, or enjoy a breath of fresh air out on deck, as we sail high speed from Poole.  Brittany provides High Speed Ferry crossings...

Coastal Cruises Poole Ltd

We offer a wide selection of cruises along the Jurassic Coast, trips to the Victorian resort at Swanage and the Steam Railway, Poole Harbour cruises, evening cruises or private charters. A smart...

Coastal Vibes Cruises

Coastal Vibes Cruises – Dorset Coastal Cruises from Weymouth Step aboard Coastal Vibes, our 250-passenger vessel departing from Weymouth Harbour, and experience the very best of the Jurassic...

Lyme Bay RIB Charter

Get ready to be blown away by unforgettable boat trips from West Bay with  Lyme Bay RIB Charter . From fast paced adventures to relaxing sightseeing cruises and private hire options, we...

Lyme RIB Rides

Looking for unforgettable things to do in Lyme Regis? Book a boat trip with Lyme RIB Rides and experience the Jurassic Coast like never before. Whether you're after a thrilling fast paced...

Moonfleet Adventure Sailing

Sailing daily from Portland - check website for availability and to book Gift vouchers now available - Prices start at just £42 for a 2 hour cruise on the Tallship Moonfleet. Treat yourself...

Wild Chesil Centre

The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre is your gateway to exploring the iconic Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, renowned for its diverse wildlife, remarkable geology and stunning views. Managed by...

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Day Trips

Take a day trip and discover Dorset's rich natural beauty and heritage.

Guided Tours

Want to discover more of the county join a guided tour and get the most out of your visit.

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Educational Trips

Dorset is brimming with resources for educational visits, that cover a range of subjects.

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.   

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Gardens & Parks

Dorset’s mild climate makes it a perfect location for some truly magical gardens.

Heritage & Culture

Discover Dorset's rich and intriguing heritage and soak up the atmosphere of bygone eras.

Eating Out

Enjoy some of the freshest, local produce at one of Dorset cafes, pubs or restaurants

Accommodation

Dorset has a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.